Italy have appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager.

The AC Milan legend replaces Luciano Spalletti, who announced his own sackingat a news conference last week.

Gattuso, 47, made 73 appearances for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and will now lead his country into the same tournament 20 years later.

Italy won Euro 2020 but failed to qualify for last summer’s tournament, and have also not made it to the past two World Cups.

A 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Norwayon 6 June sealed Spalletti’s fate.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed Gattuso will be presented to the media on Thursday.

“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said.

“The blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the national team.

A glamorous playing career saw Gattuso represent Rangers and AC Milan, among others.

He is most known for his time with Milan, winning the Serie A title and Champions League twice across a 13-year spell.

Since retiring from his playing days in 2013, Gattuso moved into management – and Italy will mark the 10th team he has managed in just 12 years.

The longest period he has stayed at any club has been two seasons with then third-tier Italian side Pisa, who he tasted the most success with.